It can be a daunting task choosing a snowboard, especially if you are new to snowboarding. In fact, with the different snowboards types and brands on the market, even the seasoned user can be a little bit confused. This means that you need to understand the types of snowboards available, how they are created, and of course their functionality rate. This guide will help you pick one that will best meet your unique needs based on versatility, quality, and anything in between.
To begin with, there are those high-end snowboards that have enviable quality but are a little pricey. On the other end, you get snowboards that are budget friendly but still have solid quality that guarantees a high functionality rate. Our best snowboards guide may help if you’re in need for a few top picks.
With that being said, it is important to know that there are two main categories of snowboards, and these include camber and rocker. Further, under these categories are a few groups of different snowboard types that define their uniqueness and finer details. It is highly recommended to look at the finer details when choosing a snowboard. In this way, you will not only get a snowboard that is tailored to your unique need but also save on money and time.
Defining the different types of snowboards
In the past, especially in the 1980’s, you could place two snowboards side by side and they would look pretty much the same. However, as time went by, an increase in technology led to transformation in the snowboarding field with the different snowboard types available today. You can now choose one of the many types for your use.
Here are brief explanations on what you can expect from the different types of snowboards.
Camber snowboards
These are the kind of snowboards designed to have 4 contact points on their base, and this is on the tail and tip of the board. Another prominent feature is that it arches between the binding at the center. This specific design ensures that more pressure is placed on the contact points, and so users enjoy benefits of a higher grip on the snow. The fact that the design is pre-tensioned optimum Ollie means power is more likely to be guaranteed when users load on the snowboard. This is a plus for snowboarders who desire to have a solid and powerful riding experience. In a nut shell, this can be said to be the traditional snowboard—and the rest can be said to have been based on its design.
Flat Camber snowboards
This particular type of snowboard has neither rocker nor camber, and so it was given the name flat. In other words, it is flat between the tip and tail contact points. This is one of the different snowboard types that snowboarding experts recommend for beginners. However, like its counterpart the traditional camber, it likes to catch the edge. If you are thinking of hitting jibes and landing big air, flat camber can be a better option for you. It is pretty good when you think of edge to edge as you ride through tight spaces like trees and other tight areas. It is one of those boards that guarantees a better edge-hold capability.
Rocker snowboards
This is one of the types of snowboards that has distinctively different features than its counterpart of the camber group. It’s for this reason that some groups like to call it the reverse camber, but the category is also referred to as anti camber, banana, and continuous camber. It doesn’t matter what you call it, the features in this group remain pretty much the same. The rocker snowboards are best defined by their continuous concave shape that is clearly outlined between the contact points of the tail and tip. If you’re a beginner to snowboarding, this is a better choice, based on the fact that they are easier to use and balance. It is vital to understand that it provides a looser feel, but at the same time users get a playful feel whether they’re beginners or seasoned users.
What are hybrid snowboards?
The hybrid types of snowboards are equally popular because they combine the features of the other categories. In this case, users enjoy some quality features that are tailored to meet specific needs. This can either be combining predominant camber features (camber hybrid) or rocker features (rocker hybrid). It all depends on the manufacturer and what they desire to offer the users of their brand. For instance, the design might be based on things such as increased edge-hold, turn initiation, better float, looser feel, and much more. It is with the hybrid types that you stand a better chance of getting something tailored to meet your very specific snowboarding needs. It doesn’t matter whether you are thinking of mountain or park snowboarding—with a hybrid you get something much more customized.
All Mountain Type
If you understand that the different snowboard types come in a variety of styles, shapes, and materials, it will be easier for you to make the choice that’s right for you. You are advised to choose your boards based on terrain, height, weight and style. The all mountain types are very popular because they float quite well on any powder ground. They’re versatile in nature and can be used not only by professionals but also beginners. They can best be defined by their narrow, short, and flat tail, which makes it more balanced.
Freestyle Type
These are the types of boards that are defined by their lightweight nature, and they are also known to be flexible and short. In fact, some have twin tips that enhance their versatility. These are some of the features make them a better choice for performance purposes. Nevertheless, they have quite a limited edge grip and are not very stable.
Alpine Type
These are narrower compared to the freestyle and all mountain types, and they are best designed for carving downhill. However, they are not the best when it comes to performing snowboarding tricks. All in all, the alpine type is for those who desire to have cleaner curves, quick edge turns, and anything related.
If you are thinking of getting yourself a snowboard, then you should explore your options to get the best profile possible for your needs. Of course getting something almost perfect will just elevate your snowboarding experience. You are advised to consider all different styles, including but not limited to all mountaineers, free riders, street, and freestylers. Remember, your choice of snowboard is directly related to what you want to use it for. Whether you are jibbing or not, there are different snowboard types designed specifically for your choice of activity.
